08/27/2024
How Weather Affects Yellow Jackets
When it comes to stinging insects, there are few that can compete with the yellow jacket. This is an insect that can sting multiple times, has a nest protection instinct, and chases down it's prey. In fact, yellow jacket swarms will go around obstacles and even wait above water to get at their target.
They are also prone to building ground nests, which come with their own set of problems. The vibration from a lawnmower, or the pushing aside of a bush with roots that go down into the ground near a yellow jacket nest, can set these wasps off.
What's worse, yellow jackets are drawn to a wide selection of foods, both sweets, and meats. This will bring them to a backyard cookout, picnic, or gathering with food on display, and they're not picky about what they eat. A yellow jacket can get a meal out of a trash can as easily as a full table of BBQ and sweets.
Why Are Yellow Jackets On My Property?
These insects are drawn to nectar and sugary liquids. If you have lots of flowers, you could be attracting yellow jackets. If you are in the habit of leaving drinks outside, this could be an attractant as well. Open trash cans are known for attracting all sorts of insects as well as animal pests. Also, things such as pet food left out, or leftover fruit from fruit trees could draw these dangerous pests in. They're also drawn to sources of protein, including pests such as caterpillars, spiders, and flies.
How Weather Affects Yellow Jackets:
In the battle to ward off stings from this pest, it is important to understand the enemy. Since the weather has a big impact on yellow jackets, we figure that is a good place to start. Here are a few ways seasonal weather affects yellow jackets.
Winter
Freezing weather kills yellow jackets.
In winter, a nest will only survive if it is in a temperature-controlled environment, like an attic space, garage, heated shed, or a wall void. When a yellow jacket nest survives the winter, the nest continues to grow. If not dealt with, it is possible to get a super nest of these wasps.
Spring
Cold snaps in the spring are the death of yellow jackets, quite literally. It may not be fun for us, but those unexpected cold spikes can have a dramatic effect on yellow jacket populations, not just in spring, but for the rest of the year. So, the next time you're tempted to complain about a cold day in spring, remember that it is helping to reduce the threat of these stinging pests.
Summer
Typically, the summer is the time when yellow jackets thrive. Hot weather gives yellow jackets more energy to zip around and search for food. It is also beneficial to all of the critters that yellow jackets like to eat. When there is an abundance of food sources, yellow jackets are happy, and a happy yellow jacket is less likely to sting.
Warm summer days bring humans outside. When humans come out, they often find a place to cook some food. This can provide food for yellow jackets directly, or indirectly, by way of discarded food and trash.
A weather condition that yellow jackets don't like is excessive rain. Rainwater can fill a hole in the ground and drive wasps out of a nest. It also fills holes that are potential nesting locations, which can drive yellow jackets into man-made structures.
High humidity during the summer can make it harder for yellow jackets to get around and forage for food. This can make them aggressive and more apt to sting humans. It is best to steer clear of yellow jackets on a muggy day.
Drought conditions are the best for yellow jackets. It increases nesting options, reduces the risk of a nest evacuation, and makes it easier for these wasps to go hunting for a meal.
Fall
As the cold weather of winter approaches, it drives yellow jackets into a feeding frenzy. This can bring them into contact with humans during the last few warm afternoons of fall. It can also cause them to explore holes in door and window screens.
The Problem With Yellow Jackets
Yellow jackets tend to sting, and not only are their stings painful, they can be dangerous to certain people. Allergic reaction to yellow jacket stings can be fatal.
Yellow jackets hide their nests in the ground. When a person (or pet) goes near a nest and creates vibrations, this can bring about a swarm of angry yellow jackets that are ready to sting over and over to protect their home. This can even happen from a distance, such as when someone is mowing the lawn and vibrations travel through the ground.
Yellow jackets will give chase, even around obstacles, to reach their victim. Jumping into water is futile since they will stick around longer than a person can hold their breath.
Yellow Jacket Prevention Strategies
Have nests removed. Since it is dangerous to try to remove yellow jacket nests without the proper knowledge and equipment, it is best to call upon the expertise of a professional pest control company.
Remove sources of protein. If your yard has protein sources, including other insects, reducing these insects will reduce the chances of having yellow jackets.
Remove sweet things.
Cover trash with tight-fitting lids.
Cover crevices and voids in your home where nests could be established.
Remove yard debris where nests could be established.
When Do Yellow Jackets Die?:
As mentioned above, Yellow Jackets are very susceptible to the weather and they will do anything they can to find a home that is safe and warm. Yellow Jackets will only die from weather exposure when there's been 5-7 days of weather under 45 degrees in a row.
Yellow Jacket Pest Control
When it comes to dealing with a yellow jacket nest, in any season, it is best to call a professional. These wasps get very aggressive when their nest is threatened and nests built by yellow jackets can be in hard to get at locations.
